Freetown boosts residential, commercial tax rates

FREETOWN — The average residential tax bill will increase by $93 this year after selectmen set the tax rates Monday.

DEREK VITAL

FREETOWN — The average residential tax bill will increase by $93 this year after selectmen set the tax rates Monday.

With an average single-family home in Freetown valued at $272,133 and a tax rate of $12.76 per $1,000 of assessed value, the average homeowner will pay $3,472 annually in property taxes.

The rate for commercial properties also was increased, boosted from $19.50 in fiscal 2012 to $20.57.

That means the average business, valued at $542,337, will pay $11,148 in taxes, an increase of $551 over the previous year.

The Board of Assessors has maintained a 1.45 percent differential between the residential and commercial tax rates every year since 2004.

Properties have declined in value during this year, with residential properties dropping by an average of $6,000 and commercial properties by an average of $1,500 from fiscal 2012.

There was some discussion about giving homeowners additional relief but both the assessors and selectmen felt a further increase in commercial rates could drive businesses out of town at a time when Freetown is attempting to expand its industry base.

"In my eyes, right now is not the time to increase the commercial rate," said Selectman Lisa Pacheco.

Tax bills are expected to be mailed before the end of the month.

Selectman Paul Sadeck reported that Gov. Deval Patrick on Monday signed a bill approving the naming of the roundabout at the intersection of County, Chase and Mason roads as the Navy Petty Officer Second Class Tyler J. Trahan Memorial Roundabout. No date has been set for the ceremony honoring the Freetown native who died in the line of duty in 2009 in Iraq. The Trahan family and the Navy are expected to schedule the dedication in the spring.